Assam is preparing a five-year roadmap to increase milk production, expand dairy cooperatives, strengthen milk collection and significantly increase processing capacity across the state.
Assam has outlined a five-year strategy to strengthen its dairy sector, with a focus on increasing milk production, expanding cooperative participation and developing additional processing infrastructure.
The roadmap follows a review of the state’s dairy sector by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Officials assessed milk availability, demand, production levels and the distribution of dairy activities across different districts as part of the planning exercise.
Assam currently produces around 33.53 lakh litres of milk per day, equivalent to an estimated annual production of approximately 12,240 lakh litres. The state has 2,006 organised Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS), although only 1,032 are currently registered. The government is also reviewing the implementation and reach of its ₹5 subsidy programme for dairy cooperatives and farmers.
A major component of the plan is the expansion of dairy-processing infrastructure. Assam currently has processing capacity of approximately 4.95 lakh litres per day, while projects with an additional combined capacity of 4.20 lakh litres per day are under development.
Once these facilities become operational, the state’s total dairy-processing capacity could increase to around 9.15 lakh litres per day. The planned facilities are located in Bajali, Kaliapani in Jorhat, Lahowal in Dibrugarh, Rangajan Gaon in Dhemaji, Jamugurihat in Sonitpur and Rani in Kamrup.
The government plans to connect this infrastructure expansion with stronger milk-collection and marketing systems. The initiative is expected to improve the movement of milk from producing areas to processing facilities and organised markets, helping strengthen the overall dairy supply chain.
Strengthening the cooperative network is another important part of Assam’s dairy strategy. The state government has directed officials to work with the Veterinary Department, Cooperative Department, dairy processors and farmers to identify areas with strong milk-production potential.
Officials will also examine a hub-and-spoke model for milk collection and processing. The approach could connect village-level collection points with larger processing centres, improving efficiency and creating stronger links between dairy farmers and organised markets.
The government has set an objective of establishing a Dairy Cooperative Society in every village. Particular attention will be given to increasing women’s participation in dairy cooperatives and supporting women-led organisations.
The five-year programme also includes measures aimed at strengthening livestock resources and supporting dairy farmers. Assam plans to promote and conserve the Lakhimi cattle breed, while a comprehensive livestock survey is expected to provide updated information for future planning and targeted interventions.
The state also plans to address vacancies within the Directorate of Dairy Development through direct recruitment and promotion, helping strengthen the institutional capacity required to implement the expansion programme.
Assam’s five-year dairy roadmap brings together milk production, procurement, processing and cooperative development under a single strategy. The government intends to expand village-level milk collection, develop new processing facilities and increase participation in organised dairy networks.
If implemented effectively, the expansion plan could create stronger market linkages for dairy farmers, improve processing capabilities and support the growth of Assam’s organised dairy sector over the coming years.